The Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre is again hosting the annual “Street Couture: A KZN LGBT Fashion Show”, to showcase KwaZulu Natal Province’s fashion talent.
A statement by the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre read, “We saw the fashion show being a perfect platform for young and up-coming designers i.e. those who might have undergone special fashion designing training or were born with the talent, to showcase their talent, sewing skills and get exposure.”
Siphokazi Nombande, event organiser said, “This year’s theme is street fashion, and the reason behind this, is that we are tired of making ramp clothes that people never get to wear. And moving forward we want to raise funds on the day to actually use for the next fashion show, so we are pleading with everyone to come prepared to buy clothes that will be on sale.”
Mzwandile Mathonsi who clinched last year’s event said, “I will encourage those who want to enter to take part in this great event. It’s a chance to show what young and up and coming designers can offer. For me the experience was awesome and it made me believe in myself more. The brand is now well known thanks to that opportunity although winning last year came as a surprise as it was my first time partaking in a competition. I really did not have high hopes, but God is great.”
The designers have been tasked with designing male and female garments with a knit fabric to as part of the competition which they will be judged upon. After the show, the garments will be auctioned.
“I entered because of exposure, and being in third year [at university] I need this kind of exposure and make a name for myself. I am also looking forward to getting recognition, and judging from the Durban July, media plays a big role in putting you out there and for people to take note. Even if I don’t win, being part of the show will definitely be a great experience,” said Keegan Naidoo, who is participating in this year’s event.
“I am launching a shop in down town Joburg soon, the shop is for all talented young up and coming designers who want their garments to be exposed, so on the day I will be looking at designs that have classiness, the theme is street couture, so I want to see the use of colour, presentation, clothes that have that wow factor,” said one of the judges for the event.
Street fashion can be described as “fashion that is considered to have emerged not from studios, but from the grassroots street fashion is generally associated with youth culture, and is most often seen in major urban centres. Mainstream fashion often appropriates street fashion trends as influences. Most major youth subcultures have had an associated street fashion.”
For more information contact: Siphokazi Nombande, T: +27-31-301-2145, Fax: +27-31-301-2147, Cell: +2783-304-8910 or admin@gaycentre.org.za
By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Senior Reporter)
